Shaq not expected back this season according to Eagle Tribune

[Jon]

One thing to consider about allegations that Danny and Doc are lying about Shaq's imminent return has to be the difference between Danny and Doc.  

Danny I could see lying.  He's part of the management group of this team and has a vested interest in generating as much revenue as possible this year to help the team contend for years to come.  

Doc on the other hand, may be in his last year.  And if this isn't his last year, next year is.  He really has no reason to lie to the fans.  And he certainly has no reason to come out with a definitive "yes" to the media about Shaq coming back if that wasn't the case.  

Could you argue that he wants to motivate his players?  Sure.  But as others have pointed out, the players see Shaq everyday, there's no tricking them.  

Might he want to trick Miami into thinking he's coming back?  Sure.  But why would Doc say it's quite possible that he plays this weekend, rather than just saying he'll be back for the next round, if he wanted to trick the Heat (who aren't preparing for Boston yet).  

Again, I make no guarantees.  However, I think we can put a certain trust (albeit skeptical) in Doc about this matter.  

[Section 87]

Danny (or Doc) might say that he hopes Shaq (or KG, or whoever) will play, or he expects Shaq will play, or he thinks Shaq will play, or he's planning on Shaq playing. A lot of fans exaggerate that into an iron-clad promise, and when it doesn't comne true, they accuse Danny of lying. There's no excuse for that. Neither Danny nor Doc can see the future. Neither can some anonymous source quoted in a column by a newspaper that wants to attract readers.

Will Shaq play this year in the playoffs? At this point, nobody knows. If you believe a prediction and are dissapointed, it's your own fault, and you have no justification for accusing anyone of lying. Such desparation to know the future! Maybe you have money riding on it; that's your own problem. A fan's bet is not cause for blaming a team spokesman for anything.

Sometimes a player, Doc, Danny, or a physician or trainer may say apparently conflicting things. They may have different information, or different opinions about what the information means.

So far, I don't recall Danny promising anyone anything about whether Shaq will play, and I don't recall reading or hearing any reliable inside information from any reliable source.

So please, back off on all the unjustified accusations of lying, and let things play out without pretending that you or anyone else knows the future with certainty.

[Jon]

Danny (or Doc) might say that he hopes Shaq (or KG, or whoever) will play, or he expects Shaq will play, or he thinks Shaq will play, or he's planning on Shaq playing. A lot of fans exaggerate that into an iron-clad promise, and when it doesn't comne true, they accuse Danny of lying. There's no excuse for that. Neither Danny nor Doc can see the future. Neither can some anonymous source quoted in a column by a newspaper that wants to attract readers.

Will Shaq play this year in the playoffs? At this point, nobody knows. If you believe a prediction and are dissapointed, it's your own fault, and you have no justification for accusing anyone of lying. Such desparation to know the future! Maybe you have money riding on it; that's your own problem. A fan's bet is not cause for blaming a team spokesman for anything.

Sometimes a player, Doc, Danny, or a physician or trainer may say apparently conflicting things. They may have different information, or different opinions about what the information means.

So far, I don't recall Danny promising anyone anything about whether Shaq will play, and I don't recall reading or hearing any reliable inside information from any reliable source.

So please, back off on all the unjustified accusations of lying, and let things play out without pretending that you or anyone else knows the future with certainty.

True.  And let's also remember that a ton of people were insisting that Danny was lying about Jermaine O'Neal coming back, and look what happened. 

[wiley]

Shaq did come back.  Just as Danny stated or predicted or whatever.....
Shaq played those minutes of his with full vigor and looked spry, enthusiastic, mobile, etc....

Then he got hurt again.

These things happen.  I'm sure Danny was more bummed than any of us.....unlike us he doesn't have a place to cry to about it.....

[Redz]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

[j804]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

Well thats better than out indefinitely 

[GreenEnvy]

Shaq did come back.  Just as Danny stated or predicted or whatever.....
Shaq played those minutes of his with full vigor and looked spry, enthusiastic, mobile, etc....

Then he got hurt again.

These things happen.  I'm sure Danny was more bummed than any of us.....unlike us he doesn't have a place to cry to about it.....

Yes he does, we just aren't allowed in his office.


I will say if this is a ploy and his return is really doubtful, then shame on the Celtics for purposely deceiving their fans again.

For that reason alone I believe Doc. He is a straight-shooter and he said in 2009 he told everyone to prepare for the playoffs without KG because he wasn't returning. We the fans were told after the regular season has ended, but we were told.

Granted, Ainge talks out of both sides of his mouth usually, but I don't think he has done anything wrong here.

[hpantazo]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

Well thats better than out indefinitely 

The big clue will be if he travels with the team to NY. Doc said if he travels, then they expect him to play sunday, if not, then he hasn't really made much improvement imo.

[Tai]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

Link? Or was it on TV?

[Chris]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

My guess is this was based on Doc's comments yesterday.  He said that if Shaq travels to NY, then he might play on Sunday. 

[j804]

I'm guessing given we do advance and play Miami we want Shaq back for Game 1, so Game 4 will be the one he plays to see if he's able to go

[Redz]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

Link? Or was it on TV?

it was on TV, but I think this was a replay from last nights broadcast.

[BudweiserCeltic]

Shaq is on the plane to NY, whatever that means. Doc had mentioned that he'd only make the trip if there was a chance of him playing on Sunday, but I'm not going to hold him to it. Shaq could just as easily make the trip to support the team in their playoff run, and NY is not a far trip from Boston.

[RAcker]

for whatever it's worth NESN daily reported Shaq as "out" for Game 3, and "questionable" for Game 4.

But is he "probable" to make an appearance at Scores?   

[blackberry33]

From Redsarmy http://www.redsarmy.com/

Shaq travels with the team

Cs tweet

In a little more than 24 hours... Shaq was out forever, possible at some point, and now on the team plane... which we know means it's possible he might play.

I'll tell you what.  If Shaq plays in one of these two games... Bill Burt at the Eagle Tribune might want to reconsider going with his "NBA source".  I guess this is why most reputable journalists go with two sources.